Mike Christianson

Mike Christianson is the newest president of Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals Network. On top of his new job, his work with Junior Achievement and Rebuild Together, his inspiration is his family.

Age: 30

Position: Mortgage Consultant, First Community Credit Union Hobbies: Softball, golf, basketball, movies, playing cards, being outdoors

Community Involvement: President of the Young Professionals Network, 4-H Foundation, Rebuild Together, Junior Achievement

Career Path: I moved here about three years ago from Sioux Falls, SD and took a job as a mortgage consultant with Wells Fargo. In Sioux Falls, I worked for Wells Fargo Financial Bank after getting my bachelor’s degree at Concordia College in Moorhead and my master’s degree in business at NDSU.

Mentors: My parents and my three brothers. I talk to them weekly for inspiration and advice.

Briefly, tell us about yourself: I was born in North Dakota and love living here. I’m competitive and love to win, but am a good sport. I value the experiences of living in the Midwest and enjoy talking with friends and family and learning from them.

What motivates you? I want to try to improve every day and work hard to become a better person. I want to have a full life and a successful career while making things a little better for myself and my community each day.

Challenges in your career path: Finding a career path that fits my skills and gaining the experience to be able to land new and better jobs. Being able to change jobs and gain different skills sets has helped me, but has been my biggest challenge.

What challenges do you face as a young professional, particularly during difficult economic times? Job security is always a concern. As a young professional, you face the challenges of a competitive work force with not as much experience to fall back on if you change careers or lose your job. A young professional needs more education and skills sets to set them apart from the rest. It’s a very competitive world.

What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken? Moving to Sioux Falls straight out of college. I didn’t know anyone and there was a possibility that the move could have been a big mistake. It turned out to be a good move and has lead me to great things.

Anything you’re particularly proud of? Persistence to continue to improve my career. Sometimes the easy route is not the correct one.

What advice would you offer other young professionals? Young professionals have to find other ways than experience to impress potential employers. Get involved and network. Even if your job doesn’t require you to network it never hurts to know someone. Also be selfless, be kind to others and others may surprise you.

What are you thankful for? I’m thankful for my good fortune and tremendous family support. Everyone’s family life is different, but mine has been the main reason for any success I have achieved.

What do you see yourself doing in 10 years? Living in North Dakota and continuing to be a valuable member of my community while continuing to develop my career with First Community Credit Union.